HomeKit Basic Homekit questions

[kat.hayes]

I know nothing about it. I just had new lights installed at my house and the electrician asked if I wanted some device that will connect to my modem to enable me to use some app on my phone to control the lights. He installed some new dimmer on my wall that makes this possible. I like the idea of this, though Before I do this, I want to see what options are available for Homekit.

1. Is this what the Homekit app lets you do? Control lights?
2. What do I need to look for with the device to connect to my modem to make sure it is compatible?

Thanks.

 

[simplynando]

I know nothing about it. I just had new lights installed at my house and the electrician asked if I wanted some device that will connect to my modem to enable me to use some app on my phone to control the lights. He installed some new dimmer on my wall that makes this possible. I like the idea of this, though Before I do this, I want to see what options are available for Homekit:

1. Is this what the Homekit app lets you do? Control lights?
2. What do I need to look for with the device to connect to my modem to make sure it is compatible?

Thanks.

Yes, HomeKit allows you to control compatible devices with your iPhone/iPad/AppleTV/HomePod. Those can be lights, window shades, garage door openers, lawn sprinklers, etc. The devices must be HomeKit compatible which is usually specified on the box. HomeKit doesn't require a specific "hub" like most other smart devices. Instead, they must be connected to an AppleTV or an iPad that stays in the home. Here's all of the Homekit compatible devices.

Some HomeKit devices still need their own manufactures hub in order to connect to you HomeKit setup (like the Phillips Hue lightbulbs that require their "bridge" device).

Most devices that can be controlled with an app can still be used on an iPhone even without HomeKit compatibility, though. You just need to download their app from the app store and connect it to your device (if you have the hub that the device needs).

HomeKit really just puts all of the devices that can be controlled via App into one Apple-branded "Home" app so they're easier to access, you can also use Siri to control them.

 

[gwhizkids]

Yes, HomeKit allows you to control compatible devices with your iPhone/iPad/AppleTV/HomePod. Those can be lights, window shades, garage door openers, lawn sprinklers, etc. The devices must be HomeKit compatible which is usually specified on the box. HomeKit doesn't require a specific "hub" like most other smart devices. Instead, they must be connected to an AppleTV or an iPad that stays in the home. Here's all of the Homekit compatible devices.

Some HomeKit devices still need their own manufactures hub in order to connect to you HomeKit setup (like the Phillips Hue lightbulbs that require their "bridge" device).

Most devices that can be controlled with an app can still be used on an iPhone even without HomeKit compatibility, though. You just need to download their app from the app store and connect it to your device (if you have the hub that the device needs).

HomeKit really just puts all of the devices that can be controlled via App into one Apple-branded "Home" app so they're easier to access, you can also use Siri to control them.

Very nice description!